Impact of human-elephant conflict on the communities’ livelihood: a study in Southern Bhutan

This study explored the impact of Human-Elephant Conflict (HEC) on the communities’ livelihood in Sarpang District in Bhutan. The main aim of the paper was to study the factors influencing the HEC and its impact on the livelihood of the selected Chiwogs (group of villages within sub district) of Gelephu gewog (one of the sub-districts in southern Bhutan). The study used explanatory sequential mixed method design involving a survey questionnaire and focus group discussions (FGD). Employing purposive sampling method, a total of 110 households were selected for the survey and 24 participants for FGD. For the qualitative data collection, a total of 3 FGDs were carried out with 8 participants each in a group. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean and standard deviation for quantitative data, and deductive thematic analysis for the qualitative data. The study has shown that crop raiding, property damage, and reports of casualties by elephants as some of the major problems affecting the socio-economic wellbeing of the residents in the study area. Similarly, the study has found out that the current HEC mitigation strategies adopted as less effective. Study also highlights the key suggestive measures expressed by the participants to reduce the future conflicts. The study thus recommends revision of appropriate land-use plan, proper monitoring of implemented mitigation measures and inclusion of compensation schemes among other.